The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are not required to remove their hijabs during biometric capture.
The clarification followed concerns raised online after a video alleged that a Muslim candidate was asked to remove her hijab at a registration centre linked to Afe Babalola University.
JAMB Explains Biometric Requirement
In a statement issued through its official communication channels, JAMB stated that it has never introduced a policy prohibiting the use of hijab during registration.
According to the examination body, the only technical requirement during biometric photo capture is that both ears must be visible. This, it explained, is a global identification standard used for passport and visa processing to ensure accurate facial recognition.
The board emphasised that candidates can meet the ear-visibility requirement without removing their hijab.
Respect for Religious Beliefs
JAMB further stated that religious beliefs of candidates are respected and that the biometric guideline is purely technical, not religious.
The board noted that in situations where a candidate chooses not to comply with the ear-visibility guideline, proper documentation is made to avoid future discrepancies in identification records.
UTME 2026 Registration Timeline
Registration for the 2026 UTME commenced in January and is expected to close in February, while Direct Entry (DE) registration will begin in March.
The Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, assured candidates and parents that measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth and fair registration process nationwide.
JAMB urged members of the public to seek clarification from official sources before sharing information online, reiterating its commitment to fairness and equal treatment of all candidates regardless of background.
